Capture accessibility with purpose-built user stories
Writing accessibility-focused user stories helps build high-quality, accessible products from the very start. — via Section508.gov
Blogs
Government teams are improving digital experiences every day. Gain insights from their stories, case studies, and innovations.
Announcing the updated Technology accessibility playbook
A refreshed, practical guide to building an effective Section 508 program. — via Section508.gov
Learn the U.S. Web Design System basics, how to get started with the design system, and what’s coming next for USWDS in 2025.
2025
Rebuilding CDC.gov
Learn how the CDC.gov team used a bold “Clean Slate” approach to reimagine the site and meet real user needs.
Reduce, remove, remediate: PDFs and government websites
In a recent governmentwide community discussion, we shared tips to remediate the use of PDFs on government websites, focusing on balancing needs, choosing formats, starting fixes, and ensuring documents are accessible for everyone.
Designing a multilingual future: A conversation with Laura Godfrey
On the eve of her retirement, Laura Godfrey reflects on multilingualism and equitable access to government information.
FY 24 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment
The FY 2024 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment highlights progress and ongoing challenges in federal digital accessibility efforts. This assessment provides key findings on governmentwide accessibility maturity and actionable recommendations. The recommendations include stronger enforcement of 508 standards, increased resourcing, and integrating accessibility into the technology lifecycle to enhance compliance and access for all. — via General Services Administration
The U.S. Web Design System team is joined by the Federal Website Standards team to share more about the standards, their origin, the research backing them, and what standards are coming next.
Watch Video
2024
Making government text messaging more effective with Notify.gov
To improve access to government services, GSA launched Notify.gov, a notification tool that sends text message reminders about government services and benefits programs. This service aims to ensure families receive the right information at the right time on the government services they use. — via General Services Administration
Approaching language translations to provide a better user experience: A Login.gov case study
Learn how the Login.gov team improved translations and added a new language to enhance their service.
Navigating digital acquisitions
Learn the best practices for agile acquisitions—from building and buying solutions, to overcoming common roadblocks.
The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) team will share their vision for the design system as a product, including USWDS Web Components and other new things the team expects to deliver in 2025.
Watch Video
2024
TTS made a lasting impact with civic tech in FY24
The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) made significant strides to prioritize and improve federal digital services in FY 2024. From expanding Login.gov to over 72 million users, launching tools like Notify.gov, or redesigning Vote.gov in 19 languages, explore how TTS continues to set the standard for impactful civic tech innovation. — via General Services Administration
Ensuring Effective and Timely Usability Research
Usability reflects how easily a user can accomplish their goals while using a product or service. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has issued new guidance to streamline usability testing for federal forms, websites, and services, helping agencies conduct usability tests in a more quick and efficient manner that is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). By enabling faster, more effective testing, OIRA aims to enhance public interactions with the government and ensure equitable access to federal resources. — via The White House
Publishing federal sales data: how we used design studios and user testing to develop a user-centered dataset
The Open Data, Design, and Development team at the Office of Natural Resource and Revenue (ONRR) successfully added federal sales data to the Natural Resources Revenue Data (NRRD) platform using design studios and user testing to create a user-centered dataset. By involving subject matter experts and refining prototypes through feedback, the team delivered the project ahead of schedule while meeting user needs. Future plans included additional usability testing and expanding stakeholder engagement. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Crafting quality content throughout its lifecycle
Learn about the life cycle of content, how content comes across to the user, and how to develop a content management strategy.
Transition Post 3: Managing Electronic Messages and Social Media Accounts
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) released a new blog on the management of federal records and transitions for federal agencies. Shedding light on the usage of agency-managed communication platforms and social media accounts, agencies are given instructions on how to best comply with the requirements outlined in the Federal Records Act. — via National Archives and Records Administration
You’ve launched, now what? Planning for the future of your content
Creating quality digital content is not a one-time endeavor. Explore these approaches to managing and improving excellent digital content over time.
Tips for building a small, scrappy digital team
Explore hiring strategies, how to leverage contractors, and creative approaches for building your digital team.
Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites
An overview of GSA’s website evaluation process, which combines qualitative and quantitative data to assess website management and performance.
